Table of Contents

LOCAL LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS, PLANTS, AND PRICES ..................................................... 2

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 2
OBJECTIVES ...................................................................................................................... 3
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE ................................................................................................................. 4
TYPES OF LANDSCAPING FEATURES ................................................................................... 9
VARIETIES OF PLANTS ..................................................................................................... 14
PRICES OF VARIOUS LANDSCAPING MATERIALS AND PLANTS .......................................... 42
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 45
Recommendations.......................................................................................................... 47
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 48
 LOCAL LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS, PLANTS, AND PRICES

INTRODUCTION
The term "landscape elements" refers to a broad range of characteristics and parts
that work together to form the outside environment. They combine artificial and natural
elements to provide visually appealing and useful areas. Landscaping features, which
range from lush plants to carefully planned hardscapes, are essential for improving
the aesthetics, usability, and sustainability of outdoor spaces. These components can
differ significantly based on the unique requirements, tastes, and environmental
circumstances of a given location.

Among the basic components of landscaping are the various types of vegetation, such
as grasses, trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants. In addition to being aesthetically
pleasing, vegetation improves air quality, gives wildlife habitat, and reduces soil
erosion, all of which benefit the environment. Additionally, whether it's a formal garden
with well-trimmed hedges or a vibrant meadow of wildflowers, the vegetation selection
can affect the overall style and atmosphere of a landscape.
Hardscaping components give outdoor areas structure and utility. Examples include
patios, walls, water features, and paths. These man-made components have
functional functions, such as defining seating places, directing traffic flow, or controlling
water drainage, in addition to demarcating zones within the landscape. Hardscaping
materials include stone, wood, concrete, and metal, and they can be chosen to blend
in with the property's architectural style and surrounding environment.
Water features, such waterfalls, ponds, and fountains, draw wildlife and encourage
relaxation in addition to bringing dynamic visual and acoustic elements to the
landscape. Water features can evoke feelings of peace and a sense of connectedness
to nature, whether they are used as focal points or blended quietly into the landscape.
Additional landscaping components that complete outdoor areas and improve utility
and aesthetic appeal include lighting, furniture, sculptures, and ornamental accents.
Lighting may draw attention to important details and create atmosphere while
extending the enjoyment of outdoor spaces into the evening. Furniture offers
convenience and comfort, enabling people to unwind and mingle outside. The artistic
flair and individuality that sculptures and decorative features bring to the environment
mirror the interests and inclinations of the landowner.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of this research is to find precise details about plant species,
landscape element types, and going rates accomplishes a number of crucial goals,
such as:
1. Clarity and coherence in design: Having a solid understanding of the many
landscaping components at one's disposal facilitates the efficient conception
and design of outdoor areas. Designers may develop visually appealing
landscapes that suit the space's practical and aesthetic requirements by having
a thorough understanding of the range of alternatives available for hardscaping,
plant species, and ornamental features.
2. Environmental Suitability: Choosing plants and landscaping materials is
influenced by a variety of environmental considerations, including soil types,
climates, and other localities. Through careful selection of plants and other
landscaping features that are appropriate for a given site, landscape designers
and owners may make sure that their landscapes flourish in their natural habitat
with little upkeep and resource requirements.
3. Budget Planning and Cost Management: Planning a budget and controlling
costs are aided by knowing the going rates for plants and landscaping
components. Property owners can make well-informed judgments that satisfy
their functional and aesthetic requirements while staying within their budgetary
restrictions by knowing the costs associated with various solutions.
4. Optimizing Resource Allocation: The best use of resources can be made
possible by having knowledge about the costs and availability of plant kinds
and landscape features. In order to guarantee that resources are used
effectively to create the intended landscape design, property owners can order
investments according to their preferences, requirements, and financial
constraints.
5. Comparative Analysis and Decision-Making: Comparative analysis and
well-informed decision-making are made possible by having precise knowledge
on the kinds of landscaping features, plant varieties, and costs. To choose the
best components for their landscaping projects, property owners can weigh
their selections and take into account things like cost-effectiveness, durability,
maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal.
6. Long-term Sustainability: Property owners can design landscapes that are
long-term sustainable by taking into account issues like the durability of
landscaping components and the maintenance requirements of different plant
kinds. Selecting drought-tolerant plants and materials that need less water,
fertilizer, and pesticides can help save water, lower maintenance costs, and
support ecological balance.
 REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Landscape architecture is concerned with the arrangement of land, water, plant forms,
and structures, for their best and greater enjoyment. It deals with land-planning
problems such as building sites, gardens, outdoor living areas, playgrounds, and
parks. It requires a knowledge of design and construction that overlaps with the fields
of architecture, engineering, horticulture, botany, and other branches of the arts and
sciences. The field of landscape architecture is known such other landscaping,
landscape gardening, landscape design, landscape planning, landscape engineering,
landscape contracting, and landscape nursery work.

You can realize the importance of landscape architecture by comparing buildings that
have been adequately landscaped with those in which the landscaping has been
neglected. Such comparison will show that a poor arrangement of the landscape can
greatly decrease the value of a well-designed building. Proper landscaping, on the
other hand, can provide a beautiful setting for a building. It can add to the comfort of
the occupants by providing shade and windbreaks and by screening off undesirable
views

LANDSCAPING IN ANCIENT TIMES

To understand the principles and problems underlying the present-day practice of
landscape architecture, you should be aware of some of the achievements of the past
in this field. These achievements have accompanied the development of architecture
through the ages. The gardens of ancient Egypt reflected climatic, physical, and
religious influences. The gardens of a high official, for instance, usually occupied a
square of land and were surrounded by lofty walls. The dwelling houses within the
walls were carefully hidden away and shaded by trees, and the grounds were
enlivened by ponds, waterfalls, and green borders.
In the middle of the gardens were vineyards and rows of trees. were rectangular and
enclosed were divided by intersecting raised The gardens of the Persians by high mud
walls. They paths and low fences, and embellished with little tunnels and blue-tiled
pools, pavilions, kiosks, and canopied summer houses. Outdoor features in the early
Greek cities included baths, stadiums, open-air theaters, porticoes, and colonnades.
The monasteries of the Middle Ages in Europe grouped around central courtyards that
onnades and enriched with central fountains, beds of flowers, and statues of the
Christian saints.

LAND AND WATER ELEMENTS

Nature of Landscape
The landscape consists of such familiar elements as ground, water, sky, and
structures. The landscape architect deals with humanized landscapes, such as private
gardens, the public grounds adjoining buildings, and parks and such areas, which
have been planned for use by people
Problems of the Ground
All landscapes are subject to natural or human modification. The landscape architect
is concerned primarily with the problems that accompany human modification. The
landscape architect has opportunities either to utilize existing earth forms or to model
new ones to suit the needs of man. Consideration must be given to the soil, drainage,
grading of terraces, banks, and slopes, balancing and measuring, excavation, and
filling operations. Actual examination of the piece of ground to be landscaped is of first
importance. Such an examination is facilitated by the use of a topographic, or contour,
map.

Topography
A contour map, or topographic map, is shown in Fig. 4. All the points on each contour
line are at the same level since they are a fixed distance above a definite point or
datum. The usual datum is sea level. When the slope is gentle, the contour lines are
far apart; when the slope is steep, they are close together. When the slope is uniform,
the contour lines are equidistant from each other. The grading of land may involve
leveling, building up, cutting away, or a gradual passing from one plane of earth to
another. The object of grading is to beautify and at the same time to achieve a better
use of the land.

Kinds of Soil
In planning a landscape, you must take nature into account. To appreciate nature and
its elements and to use them effectively in the landscape, you must understand and
appreciate the basic natural forms. You must realize, for example, how vegetation is
related to certain soils and how it appear as particular families of plants.

There are many types of soil, which may be narrowed down roughly to clay, sand, and
loam types. Clay soils have a greater capacity for holding water than other types, but
are rather difficult to handle. Their physical structure is improved by the addition of
sand, humus, weeds, manures, and grass clippings. Sandy soils are easy to work, but
they leach easily. They are improved for growing purposes by the addition of organic
material. Humus consists of organic material such as peat, leaf mold, and compost,
and plowed-under cover crops (soybeans, alfalfa, and clover). A mixture of sand, clay,
and humus produces a vegetation-sustaining loam. The addition of humus improves
the structure and character of the soil as well as its water-absorbing capacity and
its texture.
Use of Water
Water is one of the most satisfying elements of design the landscape architect has to
work with. It varies endlessly in character and emotional appeal. It has even-changing
vistas; it contrasts against and reflects foliage and sky. It offers opportunities for the
preservation or creation of streams, lakes, ponds, fountains, small dams, and pools. It
offers a medium for growing plants.

Shore Lines and Islands

In man-made lakes, the original configuration of the ground itself may produce
satisfactory shorelines. In any event, the shorelines should follow long, sweeping
curves, with alternating bays and projections. In cross-section, they may either lead
away from the water gently or break suddenly into cliffs or rocky crags. Large
stretches of water require sizable trees grouped boldly on or near the banks.
Shorelines can be planted with water-loving plants backed by masses of shrubby
growth. To protect against erosion, and to maintain slopes at steep angles, stones
may be thrown together loosely over the sloping surfaces. Concrete walls or stone
masonry may be utilized in some instances where flood and ice conditions are
severe

Planting of native and deep-rooted trees and shrubs—such as black locust, honey
locust, willow, sumac, matrimony vine, and aspen—may be used to give special
protection to slopes of lakes.
If islands are to be created, they should be placed so as to simulate the results of
natural forces. They should appear to be emerging hilltops or extensions of
promontories that jut out over the water or to match irregularities that occur on the
adjacent shore.

Pools
Garden pools should be located and shaped to
suit the style, size, and shape of the garden.
They may be geometric or natural in shape.
Two natural-looking man-made pools are
shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The depth of a pool will
depend on the purpose for which it is intended.
As a general rule, the pool should be shallow
where there are children. For growing lilies, a
depth of 18" to 24" is required. Moving water is
desirable for fish. Pools are commonly
constructed of concrete, brick, or tile. A pool should always be constructed so that it
can be drained and cleaned when desired.
Fountains
Many garden pools include a fountain of some
kind. central ornaments- serve as Fountains
and may be free-standing ornaments in
themselves, or they may be part of a terminal
vista, say at a wall or on a terrace. A well used
against a garden wall in this manner is shown
in Fig. 8. Fountains may be quite simple, with
but a single jet, or with additional jets
operating from different points so that their streams interlace. Or they may be complex,
including elaborate sculptural creations. Fountains should always be in proportion to
their basins.

Swimming Pools
Private swimming pools have become quite
popular. Although swimming specifications
ordinarily call for rectangular proportions and for
specific relations of deep to shallow portions,
private pools need not adhere too closely to these
requirements. Whatever the type of pool, it should
respect the use, form, and space relations of the
garden.

VEGETATION

General Characteristics and Uses

Among the most important materials used by the landscaper is an infinite variety of
plants, including shrubs, vines, trees, grasses, perennials, and annuals. The proper
use of these plants can contribute greatly to the usefulness and beauty of a landscape.
Depending upon the effect desired, the landscaper may group them in masses,
arrange them in rows, or set them out individually in isolated but strategic positions.

Plants have varying characteristics of flowering and fruiting; varying degrees of

suitability to soil, temperature, light, and moisture; and varying resistance to pests and
disease.

Plants may be used for a landscape cover or for enclosure. They may be used to
provide shelter and fragrance; to yield fruits, herbs, and vegetables; and to enrich the
landscape. The choice of plants is affected by the demands of design, the physical
needs of the plants, and human preferences.

With their varying habits, forms, textures, and colors, plants may be used to create
interest and beauty as well as to serve practical needs. The design and maintenance
of a landscape-related. The manner in which plants are used often depends upon the
amount of care. Where care must be limited, it may be necessary at the outset to
substitute paving for grass, to depend largely on use are can closely be given to them
upon structural elements, or upon plants and flowers that are easy to manage, and to
avoid plantings that require laborious trimming.

Plant Forms
Plant forms should be chosen to fit the spaces
for which they are intended. Nowhere will you
find this rule more generally violated than at
the foundations of homes, where an
overabundance of planting or meaningless
vertical forms is frequently seen. The selection
of plant forms is subject to the guiding
principles of good design, such as scale,
balance, rhythm, unity, harmony, and
proportion. A three-foot hemlock may look just
right under the window when it is planted, but it is a forest tree, and in five years will
cover the window entirely.

Textures
Plants vary in texture according to the size and
shape of their leaves. Leaf sizes range from
the smallest leaves of heather and juniper to
the sizable leaves of magnolias, palms, and
elephant ears. Leaves may be linear, like pine
needles, or lance, oval, or heart-shaped.
Individual leaves may vary too in their edges
and points, their degree of thickness or
stiffness, their veining, and their smoothness
or roughness. The foliage arrangement—thin,
dense, even, bunched, erect, stiff, pliable,
tremulous—may affect the texture. Trees may
lose their leaves in winter and show their
branches and trunks. All these factors account for the different textures in vegetation,
ranging from soft, delicate textures to the coarse textures of large leaves. Textures in
turn may produce emotional reactions in the viewer, such as cheerfulness at the sight
of glossy, gay leaves sparkling in the sun. An impression of majesty is conveyed by
thick textures, one of quiet restful ness by uniform textures, where leaves are small,
regular, and thick. Sparse, scattered, and broken textures may produce restless
effects.
Small textures may be used to give the illusion of distance when contrasted with larger
textures close by.

Colors
Color plays a large part in the selection of plants for a landscape. It is present most
strikingly in flowers and fruits, and, to a lesser degree, in foliage and plant structure.
Foliage ranges from gray to green to purple and red. In certain sections of this country,
foliage bursts into riots of color in the autumn. Different types and colors of plants are
available in different climatic zones, but in any zone, plants can be selected to obtain
agreeable color patterns. The bark of trees varies in color from the whites (of birch)
through the grays, browns, and reds to near black.
In general, color should be used in a disciplined manner as part of the overall design.
Strong accents may be used to strengthen the visual effect. Gaudy showings in
fancifully conceived shapes without organic relation to anything are to be shunned.
In selecting plants, you should be familiar with the ranges of color available, and the
possibilities for harmony and judicious contrast.

Trees
Trees are found in a variety of sizes,
forms, colors, and textures. They may be
symmetrical like a sugar maple or irregular
like a mossy-cup oak. They may be square
(when clipped), round, elliptical,
pyramidal, columnar, vase-shaped, low-
branched, or high-branched.
Trees may have colorful leaves, flowers,
fruit, or bark. They may vary in texture, as
do a plane tree and a Kentucky coffee
tree, a catalpa and a honey locust, or a tulip tree and a willow. These differences in
texture make it possible for the landscape architect to achieve various harmonies and
variations.

TYPES OF LANDSCAPING FEATURES

HARDSCAPES
The term "hardscapes" includes patios, landscaped walkways, sitting walls, retaining
walls, water features, fire pits, landscape lighting, grill surrounds, pergolas, and any
other custom-built feature for your outdoor living space. Hardscaping costs PHP100,
000 to PHP250,000, depending on the project size.

Among the hardscaping initiatives are:

1. Sitting Walls: A low wall that serves

as seating on a patio is called a sitting
wall. A sitting wall is usually
constructed with a width of 12” to 24”
and a vertical height of approximately
18” to 21”. This allows for comfortable
seating.
2. Grill Surround: The Grill Surround can
be used to surround an existing grill on
one or both of its sides; it is provided as
a single pallet. attributes. Customers
who already own grills can use this
surround to create a more fully
functional outdoor cooking station with
space for the grill to be stored.

3. Landscape Walkways: Walkways

make it simple for people to move
around your yard without stepping on
your plants. They keep your feet dry,
give guidance in the garden, and
lessen soil compaction in landscape
beds and lawns. There are countless
options for design.

4. Retaining Wall: The purpose of a

retaining wall is to stabilize an earthen
mound or something similar, such the
edge of an excavation or terrace.
When a desired change in ground
elevation occurs that is greater than
the angle of repose of the soil, the
structure is designed to withstand the
lateral pressure of the soil.

5. Water Features: A water feature can

be formed of many materials, such as
stone, stainless steel, resin, iron, and
glass. It can be placed indoors or
outdoors, and its size can vary from a
desktop water fountain to a big indoor
waterfall that fills an entire wall in a
large structure. The majority of water
features are electronically operated;
these can be as basic as timer actuators or as complex as digital controls that
can be used to match music with water and light animation.
 6. Fire pits: A beautiful, warm, and
inviting outdoor space where you can
get together with loved ones over an
open fire can be created with the help
of fire pits. A fire pit can be utilized for
cooking as well. When you combine the
two, it works best. You can begin by preparing dinner over a fire pit.

7. Pergolas: An outdoor pergola is

comprised of a configuration of upright
columns or pillars supporting beams or
robust open lattice. While some are
freestanding, others are fastened to
the side of a home or garage. Stone,
metal, or weather-resistant wood are
frequently used to create these
exterior features.

8. Landscape Lighting: Landscape

lighting is defined as "the use of
outdoor illumination of public and
private landscapes; for the purposes
of safety, aesthetics at night,
accessibility, security, sports and
recreation, and social and event uses.

9. Any landscaping built with stone, brick, concrete, or wood

SOFTSCAPING
Softscaping costs PHP500 to PHP700 per square foot. Softscaping includes all types
of plants like trees, shrubs, vegetable gardens, and flowerbeds. Plants are classified
as annuals, biennials, and perennials depending on when they flower.
Unlike hardscaping, softscaping can be changed at any time and can be as simple as
planting a seedling and watching it grow or as complex as experimenting with different
landscape features throughout the year. While softscape elements can be replaced,
allowing you to experiment with different designs for your garden or overall landscape,
letting each component grow to full maturity is more cost-effective.
The following are a some of the more popular options for building a softscape:

Perennial Plants: Perennial plants are plants that

live for more than two years. They usually have a
longer lifespan compared to annuals and biennials.
Perennial plants can survive multiple growing
seasons and typically go through dormant periods
during adverse conditions, such as winter.
Examples of perennial plants include trees, shrubs,
grasses, and many flowers like peonies, irises, and
roses.

Biennial Plants: Biennial plants have a life cycle

that spans two years. In the first year, biennials
grow vegetatively, producing leaves and roots.
They then enter a period of dormancy, usually
during winter, and resume growth in the second
year, producing flowers, seeds, and fruits. After
producing seeds, biennial plants typically die.
Common examples of biennials include parsley,
carrots, and foxgloves.

Trees: Landscaping trees refer to

trees that are specifically chosen
and planted to enhance the
aesthetic appeal and functionality
of a landscape. These trees are
selected based on various factors
including their size, shape, foliage
color, flowering patterns, seasonal
interest, and overall suitability for
the intended environment.

Mulch: Mulch is a material spread over the surface

of soil in gardens, landscapes, or plant beds. It
serves several purposes and can be made from
various organic or inorganic materials. Mulch is
commonly used in gardening and landscaping for
its benefits, which include Moisture Retention,
Weed Suppression, Temperature Regulation, Soil
Erosion Control, Nutrient Enhancement, and
Aesthetic Enhancement
Common materials used for mulch include Shredded bark, wood chips, straw, leaves,
grass clippings, compost, and pine needles, Gravel, stones, pebbles, and landscape
fabric.
Shrubs
• Shrubs are woody plants that typically
have multiple stems or branches
arising from the base of the plant.
• They are smaller than trees but larger
than most herbaceous plants, ranging
in height from a few inches to several
feet or more.
• Shrubs often have dense foliage and
can be evergreen or deciduous,
retaining their leaves year-round or
shedding them seasonally.
• They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and growth habits, including upright,
spreading, rounded, and arching.
• Shrubs are commonly used in landscaping for hedges, borders, specimen
plants, foundation plantings, and to add texture, color, and structure to gardens.
• Examples of shrubs include roses, azaleas, boxwoods, hydrangeas, and lilacs.
Vines
• Vines are plants that have a trailing or
climbing growth habit, often using
tendrils, twining stems, or aerial roots to
support themselves as they climb.
• They can be woody or herbaceous and
may be annuals, perennials, or even
biennials.
• Vines can climb structures such as
trellises, fences, walls, and arbors, or
they may trail along the ground.
• Some vines are valued for their
ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruits, while others are grown for their ability to
provide shade, privacy, or vertical interest.
• Vines are also used for erosion control, ground cover, and to attract pollinators
and wildlife to gardens.
• Examples of vines include clematis, wisteria, ivy, jasmine, honeysuckle, and
grapes.

Groundcovers
Low-growing plants that cover the ground
surface in gardens, landscapes, and natural
Typically, these plants are employed to cover
exposed soil, inhibit the growth of weeds,
manage erosion, and create a consistent,
aesthetically pleasing ground cover.
Groundcovers can be either deciduous or
evergreen, and they can take on a multitude of
shapes, such as clumping species, creeping
plants, and trailing vines.
Some common characteristics and uses of
groundcover plants include Weed Suppression, Erosion Control, Moisture Retention,
Aesthetic Enhancement, Soil Improvement, Low Maintenance
Examples of groundcover plants include Creeping thyme, Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia
nummularia), Vinca (periwinkle), Pachysandra, Sedum, Ajuga (bugleweed), Ivy.
Because of their adaptability, groundcover plants can be used in a variety of landscape
contexts, such as gardens, borders, walkways, rock gardens, and spaces beneath
trees or shrubs. To guarantee effective establishment and long-term development, it's
crucial to take into account a number of aspects when choosing groundcover plants,
including sun exposure, soil type, moisture levels, and desired aesthetic impacts.

VARIETIES OF PLANTS
 Table 1. PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS PLANTS
NAME AND FAMILY DESCRIPTION DISTRIBUTION HABITAT
PICTURE
Almaciga – Agathis Araucariacea A large pine tree Most parts of the Primary
philippinensis e grows up to 50m high Philippines. forests 200
and trunk up to 3m in – 2000m
diameter. The bark is above sea
gray, smooth, and level.
exuding resin. Occasional
Leathery leaves are ly
opposite, broad, cultivated
lanceolate to ovate up in
to 7cm long and 2cm lowlands.
wide. Five cm long
male cones are
cylindrical; female
cones subglobose up
to 8 cm long. Seeds
are winged and oval-
shaped.
Ardisia – Ardisia Myrsinaceae An erect shrub, Northern Luzon to Forests in
whitfordii slender tree. Leaves Palawan, Visayas, low or
are darker green Mindanao. medium
above and lighter on altitudes.
the underside.
Flowers are pale pink
to light purple in color.
Fruits are round flesh
colored with touches
of red.
Amugis – Anacardiacea Tree reaching a Widely distributed in
Koordersiodendron e height of about 25m the Philippines,
pinnatum and 120cm in Celebes, Moluccas,
diameter. Leaves are New Guinea
smooth and glossy
green above,
yellowish-green
below. Flowers white-
yellowish green.

Bakauan Gubat – Rhizophorace A tree with a Scattered all over From

Carallia brachiata ae Christmas-tree form the Philippines. lowland
 growing up to 15-20m rain forest
high and a diameter up to
of 50cm or more. Bark 1,800m
is dark brown and altitude.
smooth. Leaves are
mainly terminal,
opposite,darker
green and lucid
above. Flowers are
yellowish green.
Fruits are
subglobose, fleshy,
lemon-yellow, 5-8mm
long.
Balakat-gubat – Euphorbiacea A tree growing up to Luzon, Cagayan, Found in
Sapium luzonicum e 25m and having a Rizal, Quezon. humid
diameter of about forests of
100cm. Bark is brown Luzon,
and scaly. Leaves are Visayas,
shiny, alternate, Davao
ovately eliptic to (Mindanao)
oblong in shape 7- .
14cm long to 6cm
wide. Fruits are ovoid
to obovoid and 1-
seeded.

Balayong or Tindalo – Caesalpiniace Tree reaching up to Widely distributed in

Afzelia rhomboides ae 25m in height and the Philippines
50cm in diameter.

Balitbitan – Cynometra Caesalpiniace A much branched, Luzon, Cagayan, Found in

ramiflora ae small tree growing 4m Rizal, Quezon. forests
– 26m tall. 1-2 pairs of along
leathery, streams at
inequilateral, 10cm low and
leaves. Pale yellow medium
leaves are in drooping altitudes.
tassels. Flowers are
whitish yellow and
with large silvery
bracts. The 4cm pods
are wrinkled and
knobbed.
Balu – Cordia Boraginaceae A tree growing up to Found in
subcordata 2-11m high. Prolific sandy or
bloomer. Flowers are gravelly
bright reddish- beaches,
orange. Has a lovely beach
tree form. forests.

Banaba – Lythraceae A tree growing up to Widely distributed in In

Lagerstroemia 30m tall and a the Philippines, secondary
speciosa diameter of about Malay Peninsula, forest at
40cm. Bark is gray India, China. low and
with slight yellowish medium
lines showing through altitudes.
smooth but very fine
longitudinal markings
close together .
Leaves are simple,
opposite, nearly
opposite or
uppermost alternate
without stipules,
smooth,quite large,
turning yellow and
reddish before falling.
Flowers are large,
very showy, and in
large terminal
clusters. Fruits are
small capsules
containing winged
seeds.
Bangkal – Nauclea Rubiaceae A medium-sized Batan Island- Found in
orientalis evergreen tree Mindanao, South- secondary
growing up to 10-15m east Asia, New- forests at
with a dimeter of up to Guinea, NE low and
40cm. Trunk is Australia medium
grayish brown and altitudes.
flaking. Leaves are
simple, rich green,
ovate with prominent
veins and wavy-
edged margins.
Flowers are showy,
yellow or orange with
white spikes. Fruiting
season if from July-
January and potato-
like fruit is irregularly
shaped and greenish-
brown.
Banuyo – Mimosaceae A tree growing up to Along east coast Low and
Wallaceodendron 25m high and 100cm from Luzon to middle
celebicum in diameter. Outer Mindanao; Celebes. forest
bark has leaf scar elevations.
mark and leaves are
bipinnate; 3-5 pairs of
pinnae. Flower
bearing portion is
rusty brown. Pods are
dehiscent.

Batino – Alstonia Lecythidacea A tree reaching a Found all over the

macrophylla e height of 25m. The Philippines.
bark is smooth, pale
gray. Flowers are
small and yellowish-
white.

Bayag-usa – Voacanga Apocynaceae A well-shaped tree

globosa growing up to 3m.
Leaves are dark
green in the upper
surface and light
green on the
underside. Prolific
flowers are cream-
white and showy.
Occasionally, fruits
are formed which are
brown and in pairs
and resembling the
male parts of a deer.
Betis – Madhuca betis Sapotaceae Large tree reaching Confined to
up to 30m in height Northern and
and 80cm in Southern Luzon.
diameter. Bark is
brown, ridged.
Leaves are clustered
at the ends of
branchlets. Flowers
are numerous,
elongated, and pale-
white.

Binayuyu or Black Phyllanthacea A small evergreen Southeast Asia, In open

Currant Tree – e tree growing 3m – South China, India, locations
Antidesma 12m tall with a 10- Tropical Africa. like forest
ghaesembilla 20cm thick trunk. edges and
Leaves are alternate along
and simple. Flowers rivers.
are small and
greenish yellow.
Fruits look like
clusters of grapes
with tiny drupes
colored green-red-
dark purple. Fruits are
from March-May.
Bolong-ita – Diospyros Ebenaceae A tree growing up to Widely distributed in Low and
pilosanthera 20m and a diameter the Philippines middle
of 50cm. It has a altitudes in
greenish-black bark; forests
light red inner bark.
Flowers are dingy
white, fruits are
yellow-red with
several black seeds.
Observed to flower
during March.
Botong/Butong – Lecythidacea A tree growing up to Philippines, Along the
Barringtonia asiatica e 8-15m. Bark is Tropical Asia seashore
pinkish, greenish, not throughout
scaly or ridged; inner the
bark is thick, white, Philippines.
with pale yellowish
streaks. Beautiful and
showy leaves are
large often alternating
with smaller ones,
thick, and shiny. Fruit
is broadly pyramidal,
4-angular, 8-14 cm by
8-2cm, thick pericarp,
brown, with a tough
corky hurk and has 1
seed.
Catmon – Dillenia Dilleniacea A tree reaching up to Babuyan Island,
philippinensis 17m and 55cm in Cagayan-
diameter. Bark is dark Sorsogon, Mindoro,
brown. Leaves are Polillo, Masbate,
shiny-green, ovate, Leyte, Guimaras,
and coarsely-toothed. Negros, Cebu,
Flowers are large and Mindanao.
showy, around 15cm
in diameter, petals
are white with
purplish styles. Fruits
are green, round, and
pulpy.
Cerbera – Cerbera Apocynaceae An erect shrub-small throughout the Along sea
manghas tree with stout and Philippines, may coast or
terete branches. also be found in swampy
Leaves are clustered India, China, areas.
around ends, average Malaya.
blades 15cm
longx5cm wide.
Inflorescence is
terminal and often as
long as the foliage.
Flowers are white and
showy.

Dita – Alstonia Apocynaceae A tree reaching a Throughout the

scholaris height of 40m tall and Philippines.
 1m in diameter.
Branches are
spreading and trunk is
flanged or fluted. Bark
is grayish and exudes
a milky sap when cut.
Four to seven leaves
are in a whorl, dark
green above and
glaucous underneath.
Flowers are fragrant,
light-green to
yellowish white in
color. Leaves are
slender, pendulous,
and cylindrical.
Dumayaka Palm Palmae/ Clump-forming palm Endemic to Forests at
– Arenga tremula Arecaceae growing up to 3m. Philippines. low to
Leaves are numerous medium
to 7m long. Leaflets altitudes
are Linear, recurved,
up to 1m long.
Inflorescence is with
several pendulous
branches up to 1 m
long. Male yellow-
green flowers are
numerous, and
clustered along the
elongate branches.
Fruits are globose
and up to 2 cm in
diameter.

Dungon – Heretiera Malvaceae A large evergreen Philippines, Dry primary

sylvatica tree growing up to Sulawesi, Irian forest at
45m with a trunk up to Jaya. low and
100cm thick. Trunk is medium
buttressed; outer bark altitudes.
grayish-reddish
brown; shallowly
fissured and scaly.
Fruit has large wing,
scaly, ellipsoid to
globose nut with
woody wall.

Gayai – Ormosia Fabaceae/ A small tree with Philippines Found in

macrodisca Papilionaceae attractive yellowish- (Camarines, Lanao, forests
reddish compound Basilan), Malesia, from 100 to
 leaves while young Peninsular 900 m
that turn glossy bright Malaysia, Sulawesi, altitude.
green when mature. West Java, Borneo.

Guijo – Shorea guiso Dipterocarpac A large tree growing Luzon (Cagayan to In primary
eae up to 40 m high and Sorsogon); forest at
180 cm diameter. Mindoro, Panay, low
Long exposed bark is Negros, Masbate, altitudes,
light brown with corky Samar, Leyte, usually
pustules and sheds in Mindanao, Basilan, occupying
scroll-shaped or Thailand, Malaya, ridges.
almost-rectangular Sumatra, Borneo
patches. Freshly
exposed bark is light
reddish brown. Inner
bark is light reddish
brown and stringy in
texture. Leaves are
lanceolate or ovate
lanceolate to oblong,
acute, or accuminate
at apex, rounded or
subcuneate at base,
glabrous/ nearly
glabrous. Guijo is
distinguishable by
dark-colored
branchlets,
pubescent. Leaf
nerves at least 15
pairs.

Guyong-guyong Guttiferae A small tree Endemic, Babuyan In thickets,

– Cratoxylum blancoi islands,, Luzon secondary
 (Cagayan to forests at
Sorsogon), low
Palawan, alitudes.
Catanduanes,
Masbate, Panay,
Negros, Bohol,
Samar, Leyte,
Mindanao, Basilan

Ipil – Intsia bijuga Caesalpiniace A large tree growing Northern Luzon, Found in
ae up to 50m in height Babuyan Island, sandy
and a diameter of Palawan, and beaches,
150cm. Bark is Mindanao. inundated
smooth, sometimes localities.
flaky, and grayish
green with occasional
whitish patches.
Leaves are shiny
green. Observed to
have white flowers in
June

Kalantas – Toona Meliaceae A tree growing up to Widely distributed Scattered

calantas 25m tall and 100cm in throughout the in forest
diameter. Trunk si Philippines, hills at low
terete and straight. especially in and
Leaves are Balabac group of medium
compound, alternate islands. altitudes.
oblong/ broadly
lanceolate. Fruits are
capsules, dehiscing
from apex to base,
seeds distinctly but
unequally winged at
each end.

Kalumpit – Terminalia Combretacea A tree reaching a Luzon to Palawan In primary

microcarpa e height of 35 meters and Mindanao. Also and
 and a diameter of 120 Java. secondary
cm. Bark is dark forest at
brown and ridged. low and
Leaves are simple, medium
smooth, oblong to altitudes.
broadly obovate, 6-
15cm long. Flowers
are small, yellowish-
white and white and
borne on slender
spikes growing from
leaf axils. Fruits are
strong, laterally
compressed, 2-
angular, wingless,
rather hairy.
Kayumanis – Clausena Rutaceae A small tree growing Luzon, (Bontoc, Found in
anisum-olens up to 3 – 6m tall. Benguet, forests at
Aromatic leaves are Pampanga, low and
compound, 20 – Batangas, Bataan, medium
30cm long; leaflets 7 Laguna, Rizal, altitudes
– 11, ovate- Sorsogon, ranging to
lanceolate to Masbate, Mindoro). 1500m,
lanceolate. Flowers scattered in
are greenish white, woods or
fragrant, about 8mm valleys.
in diameter. Fruit is
globose or ovoidly
ellipsoid up to 18mm
in diameter.
Lamog – Planchonia Lecythidacea A large tree growing Widely distributed
spectabilis e up to 20m in height from Luzon to
and a diameter of Mindanao
60cm. Bark is dark
brown and slightly
flaky. Leaves turn red
when mature, flowers
in February-April.

Lanite – Kibatalia Apocynaceae Medium-sized tree. Luzon, Mindoro,

gitingensis Bark is gray or dark Culion, Palawan,
drown, rough and Negros, Mindanao
ridged when mature,
smooth when young.

Lipote/ Baligang Myrtaceae A tree growing up to Luzon (Cagayan, Primary

– Syzygium 15m high and 90cm in Tayabas, Laguna, forests,
polycephaloides diameter. Leaves are Camarines, Albay, low-
opposite, with Sorsogon), medium
narrowed base Mindoro, Samar, altitudes.
auriculately rounded. Leyte.
Strong midrib with 14-
18 pairs of
conspicuous nerves
whose tips form a
definite submarginal
vein. Flowers are
whitish usually in 3’s.
Fruits are irregularly
globose, fleshy,
reddish-purple.
Flowers observed
May-June.
Malaputat – Terminalia Combretacea A small tree growing Isabel, Quezon,
darlingii e up to 10m high. Camarines, Samar.
Leaves are almost
leathery and spiraly
arrange in dense
cluster towards the
end of it’s branchlets.
Shiny glaborous
leaves, shining green
above while under
leaf is red or brown.

Malatambis – Syzigium Myrtaceae A well-shaped tree Native to the

huchinsonii with a remarkable Philippines.
bole and beautiful leaf
and branch formation.
Maritima – Drypetes Euphorbiacea Small to medium- Batan Islands, Thickets
falcata e sized tree reaching a Northern Luzon- and forest
diameter up to 50cm. Palawan, near the
Bole is regular, Mindanao, Sulu seashore.
remarkably straight, Archipelago. Also inland.
and short about 6m or
less long. Leaves are
ovate-elliptic to ovate-
lanceolate.

Mulawin – Vitex spp. Lamiaceae A medium sized-large Indigenous to the Near creek
evergreen tree Philippines. bank
related to Molave. thickets.
Leaves are finer and
more elegant than
molave; molave has
larger tri-foliate
leaves. Mulawin’s
growth habit is less
straighter and more
branching. Observed
to be slow growing.

Panalipan – Diospyros Lecythidacea A small tree growing Cagayan Low

tenuipes e up to 10m tall. altitude
forests.
Pili – Canarium ovatum Burseraceae A tree growing up to Southern Luzon, Low-
20m high and 40cm in Samar, Palawan medium
diameter. Bark is altitudes.
brown with large
flakes, and exudes
white resin. Leaves
are compound,
alternate with leaflets
16cm long with a
round base. Flowers
are pale-yellow-
greenish, fragrant and
1.3cm long. Fruits are
6-7cm long, hard,
thick-shelled,
triangular pointed at
both ends.

Podocarpus/ “Maki” Podocarpace Small tree up to 3m Batanes Islands,

– Podocarpus costalis ae tall with a Christmas Northern Luzon
tree form. Leaves are
crowded in the
branches, spatulate,
7cm long to 10mm
wide.

Potat – Barringtonia Lecythidiacea A straggling tree Widely distributed in Marginal

racemosa e reaching a height of the Philippines. inland
10m or more. species
Inflorescence near the
racemes are seashore.
drooping, 20-60cm On banks
long. Flowers are of tidal
white or pink. Fruit rivers and
ovoid-oblong, 5-7cm creeks by
by 3-4cm. Pericarp is muddy
leathery, green, or ditches in
purplish. rice fields.
Red Tabebuia Bignoniaceae A small tree reaching
– Radermachera 3-4m in height.
coriacea Leaves are green and
glossy. Trumpet-
shaped flowers are a
beautiful shade of
red. Flowers all year
round.

Santiki Paitan Euphorbiacea A tree growing up to Northern Luzon to In forests at

– Cleidion spiciflorum e 15m tall. with a grey, Palawan and low-
smooth bark. Flowers Mindanao. medium
are unisexual, fruits altitudes.
are bilobed or trilobed
capsules.

Sinaligan – Sterculia Sterculiaceae A small tree growing Philippines (Luzon, Found in

rubiginosa up to 20 meters tall Mindoro, Sibuyan, primary
and up to 30 cm thick. Basilan, Thailanad, forests at
Leaves are glossy Malay Peninsula, low
and bright green. Borneo, Sulawesi. altitudes.
Takulao – Miliusa vidalii Annonaceae A tree growing up to a Found throughout
height of 10m and a the Philippines.
diameter of 40cm. Endemic
Bark is brownish and
slightly ridged.
Leaves are 15-20cm
long X 6cm wide
obtusely rounded at
the base. Flowers are
lateral or axillary,
upon filirom more or
less pilose pedicel, 5-
8cm long; petals
1.25cm long, nearly
glabrous, obvately
oblong. Fruits are 5-
15mm long, globose
or ellipsoid, glabrous,
upon stipes 3-5 times
as long.
Tamayuan Olacaceae A large tree reaching Widely distributed Found on
– Strombosia 30m in height and a throughout the low hills,
philippinensis diameter of 70cm. Philippines, Malay lands just
The trunk is straight peninsula. above flood
and unbuttressed, level up to
while the crown is 350m
dense and compact. elevations.
The bark is yellow-
gray, with fine,
shallow fissures;
outer bark is corky
and brittle. Leaves
are shiny, sometimes
waxy, rounded with a
sharp pointed tip.

Taxus – Taxus Taxaceae An evergreen shrub, Luzon, Palawan,

sumatrana wide-trunked bushy Mindanao.
tree growing up to
14m in height. Leaves
are 1.2–2.7 cm long
and 2–2.5 mm wide,
and grow in two ranks
along the branches,
and abruptly spirals
into an apex at the tip,
pale yellow green
above and light green
underside.
Toog Lecythidacea A large tree reaching Widely distributed in Low and
– Combretodendron e 40m in height and a Mindanao middle
spectabilis diameter of 150cm. elevations.
Bark is dark brown
and flaky. Leaves are
simple, obovate, 10-
16cm L x 5-7.5cm
broad.

Table 2. ORNAMENTAL PLANT

NAME AND FAMILY DESCRIPTION DISTRIBUTION ECONOMIC
PICTURE IMPORTANCE
Adelfa – Nerium Apocynaceae Erect shrub up to Native to the Ornamental
oleander 3m tall. Leaves are Mediterranean tree grown in
narrow and region. parks, big
leathery. Flowers Cultivated in the gardens, along
occur in terminal Philippines. roadsides.
ends with bright
pink petals.

African Tulip tree Bignoniaceae A robust tree up to Native to Africa, Ornamental

– Spathodea 20m tall. widely tree grown in
campanulata Compound leaves cultivated in the parks, big
have 9-17 pairs of Philippines gardens, along
leaves. Leaflets are roadsides.
12cm long to 8cm
wide. Flowers are
large and bell-
shaped, up to 12cm
long, 5-lobed and
colored scarlet-
crimson.
Araucaria – Araucaria Araucariaceae A cone-shaped Native to Planted in
heterophylla evergreen tree Norfolk Island. parks and big
reaching up to 15m gardens.
tall, with whorled
lateral branches
from the main trunk.
Branches longest at
the base, shorter
upwars. Leaves are
small, needle-like
and crowded along
branches.
True Bird of Paradise Sterculiaceae A perennial herb Native to Cultivated in
– Strelitzia reginae growing up to 90cm tropical Africa. parks and
tall. Leaves are gardens.
green, stiff, oblong,
banana-like and up
to 30cm long; leaf
stalk 2-3 times as
long as the leaves.
Flowers are showy,
petals with colors
predominantly
orange and yellow,
with streaks of blue.
Bottle Brush tree Myrtaceae Small tree up to 8m Native to Grown in
– Callistemon tall, with rough trunk Australia, grown gardens and
lanceolatus and branches. in the parks.
Leaves are green, Philippines.
linear or lanceolate,
up to 6cm long.
Flowers are red,
cylindrical, brush-
like, hanging, and
up to 20cm long.
Fruits are
depressed-round
capsules.
Bright-Yellow Tabebuia Bignoniacaea Tree growing up to Native to Grown as a
– Tabebuia chrysotrica 50ft tall. Leaves are Columbia, flowering tree
/ Handroanthus obovate-oblong up Brazil, Florida. for gardens,
chrysotrichus to 4inches, with 5 roadsides.
leaflets. Flowers
are showy, bright-
yellow in umbellate
clusters up to
2.5inches long.

Calachuchi – Plumeria Apocynaceae Tree growing up to Native to Ornamental

sp. (alba & rubra) 5m tall with grayish- Mexico. flowering tree
brown bark and Cultivated in the grown for parks
milky sap. Leaves Philippines. and gardens.
are broad,oblong-
like. Flowers are
waxy, funnel-
shaped, 5-lobed,
white, or with
splashes of red
color.
Champaca – Michelia Magnoliaceae Small tree growing Native to the Flowers made
champaca up to 8m tall. Bark Himalayas, into garlands
silvery, gray and cultivated in and source of
smooth. Flowers towns and cities oil for
are axillary, solitary, in the perfumes.
yellowish, very Philippines.
fragrant.

Coral tree – Erythrina Leguminosae/ Medium-sized Native to South Contains an

crista-galli Fabaceae flowering tree America. alkaloid with
reaching up to 8m powerful
tall. Leaves are narcotic and
green, with 3 purgative
leaflets. Flowers effects.
are showy, Reported
papillionate, bright medicinal
red, up to 7cm long. value of
extracts. In the
Philippines
primarily grown
as a flowering
tree for parks
and gardens.
Balite – Ficus Moraceae A straggling fig with India to Malay Ornamental
benjamina milky sap, having a Peninsula. planted as a
tree form and shade tree in
growing up to 15m gardens,
in height. Leaf parks,
blades are smooth, roadsides.
glossy green and
with entire margins.

Golden Ficus – Ficus Moraceae A tropical Malaya Ornamental

microcarpa evergreen, highly Peninsula. planted as a
variegated with shade tree in
smooth, waxy gardens,
ovate-pointed parks,
leaves. roadsides.
Ficus irregularis, Moraceae Ornamental tree Ornamental
Maclelland – Ficus growing 3-4m tall. plant used for
irregularis Leaves are long, indoors,
thick, and narrow, planted close
new growth is tinted to buildings as
bronze, later barrier/ screen
matures to deep plants.
rich green.

Lyrata – Ficus lyrata Moraceae A medium-sized Native to West Planted in

tree growing up to Africa. parks and
10m tall. Leaves gardens.
are fiddle-shaped, Occasionally
deep waxy-green, an indoor plant
with prominent in medium-
whitish nerves. large building
areas.
Indian tree – Polyalthia Annonaceae A small-medium ative to Planted as an
longifolia sized tree growing Southern India accent plant in
to 15m tall. Young and Sri Lanka. parks and
plants have straight Recently gardens.
trunks and drooping introduced to
branches. General the Philippines.
tree form looks like
a spindle. Leaves
are narrow, dark-
green, glossy, with
wavy margins.
Kamuning – Murraya Rutaceae A shrub or small Found in India Grown as a
paniculata tree growing 2-8m to hedge plant.
tall. Leaves are China,southwar
odd-pinnate up to d to Australia
15cm long. Leaflets and Polynesia.
are 1 or 3-9, ovate, Grows in
oblong, elliptic, or thickets in the
sub-rhomboid in Philippines.
shape and around
8cm. Flowers are
white, and very
fragrant. Fruits are
red, small, fleshy,
and ovoid.
Neem tree Meliaceae A medium-sized Native to Burma Introduced to
– Azidarachta indica tree to 15m tall, and parts of the Philippines
branches are wide- India. as a
spreading forming reforestation
an oval crown. Leaf species.
blades are shiny Deemed a
green on the upper good shade
surface and pale tree.
green on the
underside. Flowers
are numerous,
small, white, and
fragrant.

Pink Tabebuia Bignoniacaea Tree growing up to Native to Grown as a

– Tabebuia rosea 5m tall. Leaves are Southern flowering tree
opposite, palmate, Mexico, for gardens,
with 3-5 leaflets. Venezuela, roadsides.
Flowers are showy, Ecuador.
colored light pink to
purplish pink.
Red Banaba Lythraceae A small tree
– Lagerstromia reaching up to 3-4m
piriformis var. in height. Flowers
all year round with
white-pink-purple
colors. Young leaf
flushes are
remarkably glossy
red.
Sea grape – Coccoloba Polygonaceae A shrub or small Native to the Planted in
uvifera tree growing up to West Indies and parks and
8m tall, with long South Florida. gardens.
and flexible
branches. Leaves
are large, heart-
shaped, leathery,
glossy, dark-green
up to 15cm long
with wavy margins.
Flowers are white
and fragrant. Fruits
are pear-shaped,
reddish purple, and
dooted green, in
clusters resembling
grapes.
Song of India Agavaceae A branching, Native to Sri An ornamental
– Dracaena reflexa climbing, semi- Lanka and plant used as a
woody, perennial South India. screen, hedge,
plant growing up to or barrier. Also
5m tall. Stem is used for
semi-woody and indoors.
densely covered
with leaves. Leaves
are elongated,
leathery, dark-
green, and with
wide bands of
golden-yellow at the
margins.
Song of Korea Agavaceae A perennial plant Recently An ornamental
– Dracaena reflexa growing up to 5 m introduced to plant used as a
tall, covered the Philippines screen, hedge,
densely with sessile or barrier. Also
and spirally used for
arranged leaves. indoors.
Leaves are
leathery, glossy,
with a narrower
golden-yellow band
at margins than
Song of India.
Traveller’s tree Strelitziaceae A palmlike plant Native to An ornamental
– Ravenala which grows up to Madagascar. plant often
madagascariensis 15m tall. It has seen in
large, crowded, frontage areas
leaves, in two of resorts,
distinct ranks and parks, and
forms a fan-shaped gardens.
head.

Variegated Pandan Pandanaceae A small-rosette- Native to Grown in

– Pandanus veitchii forming pandan, Polynesia gardens, also
with long, leathery an indoor plant.
leaves up to 60cm
long and 8cm wide
narrowing to a
point. Leaves are
shining drak-green,
lined and broadly
margined with
white.
Yellow Bignonia Bignoniaceae A shrub or medium- Native to Planted as a
– Tecoma stans sized tree growing Florida, Mexico, flowering plant
to 5m tall. and Southern in gardens and
Compound leaves America. parks.
have leaflets up to Introduced in
8cm long, with the Philippines
serrated margins. in the early
Funnel-shaped 1950’s.
flowers are showy
and very brightly
colored yellow.

Table 3. BAMBOO
NAME AND FAMILY DESCRIPTION DISTRIBUTION ECONOMIC
PICTURE IMPORTANCE
Black bamboo Graminaea/ Clumps with widely Native to china Culms used in
– Phyllostachys Poaceae spaced culms. and Japan. furniture-
nigra Culms are erect, Recently making when
green at first, introduced to abundant.
gradually the Philippines Rhizomes
becoming as an used in treating
brownish to black- ornamental. astralgia and
spotted, whole amenorrhea. In
culms would England, pipe
appear purplish- stems, chairs,
black. and walking
sticks are often
made from
black bamboo
culm.

Buddha bamboo Gramineae/ Culms close Native to An ornamental

(mini) – Bambusa Poaceae together and form southern China. plant for
vulgaris cv. wamin clumps of 20-30 landscaping.
culms/clump.
Culms are green,
3-5m tall. Basal
parts of internodes
are inflated thus
looking like a belly.

Buddha bamboo Gramineae/ Culms close Native to In China used

(Giant) – Bambusa Poaceae together and form Southern China, for propelling
tuldoides/ Bambusa clumps with 20-30 now found smal boats,
ventricosa culms/clump. throughout making
Internodes are Southeast Asia, handicrafts,
inflated but culms also introduced light
are much bigger in Eaurope, construction.
and taller than that USA, Latin Popular as an
of B. wamin. The America. ornamental in
culms also tend to the Philippines.
revert to having a
cylindrical shape at
maturity. Lighter
culms than
“Wamin.”
Chinese bamboo Gramineae/ Bamboo reaching Tropical Asia Much sought-
– Bambusa vulgaris Poaceae up to 9.3m high, 5- after as an
var. striata 10cm in diameter. ornamental
Internodes, 18- species due to
37cm long, and its shiny and
branches are smooth
distinguishably golden-yellow
golden-yellow. culms marked
Young culms are with irregular
orange-light green green vertical
with a few yellow- stripes.
green stripes.

Golden buho Gramineae/ Notably yellow Cultivated in Culms used as

– Schizostachyum Poaceae culms with green Infugao and fence, young
brachycladum stripes. Leaves 4-7 Benguet, Mt. shoots are
(yellow) per branch, Makiling. edible.
oblong-lanceolate, Primarily an
15-40cm long x ornamental
2.5-7.0cm wide, plant and
green or with a few popularly
white-yellow placed as a
stripes. border in koi
ponds and
Japanese-
styled gardens.

Green buho Gramineae/ Culms are closely Believed to Used widely as

– Schizostachyum Poaceae tufted forming a have originated roofs in split-
brachycladum clump more or less from Java. form,
30m tall and up to Introduced and handicrafts,
100 in a clump. cultivated at banana props,
Internodes are DENR containers for
green bearing Bambusetum, rice, source of
white-waxy bloom. Davao del Norte fiber for making
Leaf blades are clothes north of
smooth above, Sulawesi,
with very fine hairs Indonesia.
underneath.

Mini bamboo Gramineae/ Shrubby with a Native to China Ornamental

– Bambusa nana/ Poaceae very tight clump and Japan. plant used for
basyonym: Arundo with erect culms Introduced in hedges.
multip which are natually the Philippines
branchless on the and other
lower 1/4. Leaves Malesian
are bluish-green countries.
underneath, very
narrow and linear.
Clump has around
70 individual culms
5.5-10m high
(sometimes).

Pole bamboo Granineae/ Culms densely Native to Used for

(international:Thaila Poaceae tuftes and packed Myanmar and handicrafts,
nd) – Thyrsostachys in a clump with up Thailand, pulp, and
siamensis to 100 culms per introduced in paper
clump. Culms are the tropics. production,
dark-green, erect curved
at the lower part furniture parts
and slightly in Thailand.
outarched at the Planted as a
upper part, fence,
reaching 8-10m windbreak, and
high. Leaves 4-15 ornamental.
per branch, hairy Young shoots
when young. are edible.

Thailand bamboo Gramineae/ Clump 1m in Endemic to In China used

(Taiwan) – Bambusa Poaceae diameter with Taiwan, native in handicrafts.
dolichomerithalla about 250 culms. to China, Used as an
Young culms up to recently ornamental in
1.7cm thick, 10- introduced to the Philippines.
12m tall with white the Philippines.
waxy bloom. Culm
sheet blades are
very distinct:
straight and
triangular.Leaves
10-35/branch, long
and narrow, 1.0-
2.5cm long.
Variegated bamboo Gramineae/ Very short bamboo Probably Used as hedge
– Bambusa multiplex Poaceae with distinct white originated from and planted in
f. variegata stripes on the Indochina and gardens as an
leaves, rarely on Southern China, ornamental.
culms. now widely
cultivated in the
tropics.

Table 4. PALMS
NAME AND FAMILY DESCRIPTION DISTRIBUTION ECONOMIC
 PICTURE IMPORTANCE
Bunga de China Palmae/ A 6m tall elegant, Endemic to the Popular
– Veitcha merrillii Arecaceae solitary, and Philippines ornamental
slender palm. plant, fast-
Trunk reaches growing.
25cm in diameter,
marked with close
annual rings.
Leaves are long
and narrow, 70cm
long x 5cm wide.
Flowers are borne
beneath the
leaves, whitish
green in color.
Fruits are bright
red, elliptic ovoid,
and smooth.
Foxtail palm Palmae/Arecac Slender gray Native to Ornamental
– Woodyetia bifurcata eae solitary palm with a Northern plant used as a
canopy of 8-10 Australia specimen tree.
leaves. Leaves are
pinnately
compound,
arching, with
several hundred
fishtail leaflets
attached in ranks.
Inflorescence are
branched and born
beneath the
crownshaft. Fruits
are red.
Licuala – Licuala Palmae/ Small, erect, Native to New Planted in
grandis Arecaceae slender palm Guinea. parks and
growing up to 3m gardens. Also
tall. Leaves are used as an
crowded at the indoor plant.
terminal area of
the trunk, leaf
blade is undivided,
plaited, bright
green with toothed
and lobed margins.

Macarthur Palmae/ Clustering, slender Native to New Used as an

– Ptychosperma Arecaceae palm to 8m tall with Guinea. ornamental in
macarthurii a light gray smooth Introduced to gardens. May
 trunk, to 5cm in the Philippines also be used
diameter. Leaflets in the early as an indoor
have irregularly 1900’s. plant.
jagged ends up to
30cm long,
margins are
ribbed. Flowers
are small and
numerous, borne
on branches
beneath the
leaves. Fruits are
numerous, ovoid,
turning red-reddish
black when mature
1cm in diameter.
Madagascar palm Palmae/ A medium-sized Native to Native to
– Dypsis Arecaceae solitary or Madagascar, Madagascar,
madagascariensis clustering palm Nosi be Island. Nosi be Island.
growing up to 7.5m
high. Leaf is
plumose with a
blue-green color. A
moderate-fast
grower.
Palmera Palmae/ A slender, Native to Commonly
– Chrysalidocarpus Arecaceae graceful, and Madagascar, planted as an
lutescens clustering palm, up introduced to ornamental in
to 4m tall with a the Philippines parks and
trunk reaching 8cm in the early lawns. Juvenile
in diameter. Trunk 1900’s. palmera is a
is green and popular indoor
ringed. Leaves are plant.
2m long,
ascending and
curved at the apex.
Leaflets are linear,
featherlike, up to
40cm long, bright
and green to
yellow-green and
in one place.
Pritchardia/ Fiji palm Palmae/ Slender palm Native to the Grown as an
– Pritchardia pacifica Arecacea growing up to 9m Pacific Islands. ornamental for
tall, with a clean Recently gardens,
trunk 30cm in introduced to parks, and
diameter. Leaves the Philippines. indoor plant.
have petioles 1m
long, palmate with
a large crown 2.5m
across, bright
olive-green,
leathery.
Red palm – Palmae/ A clustering, small Native to the Cultivated as
Cyrtostachys renda Arecaceae to medium-sized Malay an ornamental
palm reaching 7m Peninsula, plant in
high. Trunk is introduced to gardens and
slender, up to 6cm the Philippines parks. Also
thick. Leaves are post WW II. used as an
pinnate, broad and indoor plant.
arched up to 1.5m
long. Petiole and
bases are red and
showy. Leaflets
are long, narrow,
stiff, and green on
both sides.
Rhapis – Rhapis Palmae/ A suckering, Native to Popular as an
excelsa Arecaceae clustering, erect, Southern China. indoor plant.
and slender palm Introduced to
growing up to 3m the Philippines
tall. Stem is in the aerly
canelike, to 4cm in 1900’s.
diameter with
matted coarse
fiber. Leaves are
palmately divided
into linear
segments,
appearing like a
dissected fan.

PRICES OF VARIOUS LANDSCAPING MATERIALS AND PLANTS

The typical cost of landscape design ranges from PHP40,00 to PHP170,00, depending on
the project's size, location, and complexity.

The price range for a small backyard garden design is PHP170 to PHP35,000. Hourly rates
for landscape designers range from PHP2800 to PHP8500. A consultation charge for
landscape design ranges from PHP5600 to PHP11,000. When supervising installation, a
landscape architect charges PHP5,600 to PHP14,000 per hour, or 5% to 20% of the project's
total cost.
The cost and popular landscaping projects are displayed in the following table:

Table 1. Landscaping price list

LANDSCAPING PROJECT AVERAGE COST

Lawn seeding PHP2.25-PHP10 per square foot
Sod installation PHP 56- PHP 112 per square foot
Artificial turf PHP 340- PHP 1,130 per square foot
Sprinkler system PHP 100,000- PHP 294,000
Drip irrigation system PHP 17,000- PHP 67,600 per zone
Rainwater collection system PHP 11,275- PHP 140,000
Landscape curbing PHP 22,550- PHP 124,000
Misting system installation PHP 5,600- PHP 140,000
Building a pond PHP 101,500- PHP 390,000
Building a koi pond PHP 197,000- PHP 958,400
Water fountain installation PHP 85,000- PHP 451,000
Yard grading PHP 22.55- PHP 112.75 per square foot
Landscaping maintenance PHP 5,600- PHP 11,200 per month
Lawn care PHP 1,700- PHP 4,500 per hour
Lawn mowing PHP 1,700- PHP 4,800 per visit
Mulch PHP 845- PHP 3,700 per yard delivered
Tree trimming PHP 11,300- PHP 50,700 per tree
Tree removal PHP 17,000- PHP 112,800 per tree
Gardener PHP 4,300- PHP 14,000
Leaf removal PHP 8,500- PHP 20,000
Lawn aeration PHP 4,300- PHP 14,000
Tree stump removal PHP 5,600- PHP 22,550
Tree stump grinding PHP 6,800- PHP 22,550
Fill dirt PHP 280- PHP 1,400 per yard
Land clearing PHP 65,000- PHP 207,500

Table 2. Average sod prices by type

SOD TYPE AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT
Bermuda Sod PHP 17- PHP 48
Fescue Sod PHP 20- PHP 40
St. Augustine Sod PHP 17- PHP 45
Zoysia Sod PHP 15- PHP 45
 Table 3. Landscaping material costs
LANDSCAPING MATERIAL AVERAGE COST
Composting PHP 1,400- PHP 1,800 per yard
Flood Lights PHP 11,200- PHP 28,100 per light
Grass Pavers PHP 70- PHP 570 per square foot
Landscape Boulders 8,500 per ton
Landscape Gravel PHP 1,120- PHP 1,700 per square foot
Landscape Fabric PHP 85- PHP 112 per square foot
Landscape Rocks PHP 3- PHP 17 per pound
Landscape Timbers PHP 280- PHP 400 per linear foot
Lawn Edging PHP 56- PHP 280 per linear foot
Lawn Fertilization PHP 2,250- PHP 3,400 per application
Lawn Replacement PHP 50- PHP 100 per square foot
Lawn Turf PHP 280- PHP 1,130 per square foot
Retaining Wall PHP 844- PHP 1,130 per square foot

Table 4. Cost of Landscaping Rocks

ROCK TYPE AVERAGE PRICE
River rocks • PHP 2,500- PHP 7,300 per ton
• PHP 2,800- PHP 9,000 per yard
• PHP 844- PHP 1,900 per bag
Lava rock • PHP 4,500- PHP 13,500 per ton
• PHP 2,800- PHP 7,800 per yard
• PHP 1,100- PHP 2,800 per bag
Crushed stone & gravel • PHP 560- PHP 2,800 per ton
• PHP 840- PHP 4,200 per yard
White stones & pebbles • PHP 36,600-73,200 per ton
• PHP 840- PHP 2,200 per bag
Mexican beach pebbles • PHP 26,700- PHP 45,000 per ton
• PHP 1,400- PHP 3,300 per bag
Crushed or decomposed granite • PHP 2,500- PHP 5,300 per ton
• PHP 3,900- PHP 7,300 per yard
CONCLUSION
Various criteria, including practicality, aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements,
and budget limits, are taken into consideration when determining the different sorts of
landscape features, their pricing, and their relevance. Trees, shrubs, groundcovers,
hardscapes (such patios, walkways, and retaining walls), water features, turf sections,
and decorative accents are just a few of the many characteristics that make up
landscaping elements. Whether it's suppressing weeds and avoiding erosion
(groundcovers), giving structure and definition (shrubs), or improving beauty and
usefulness (hardscapes and water features), each type of landscape element has a
distinct function.

The type of material utilized, labor expenses, project size, and geographic location are
only a few of the variables that affect the cost of landscape features. Because of their
size and installation needs, trees and large shrubs can be more expensive than
smaller plants and groundcovers. Hardscape elements like as retaining walls and
patios can have expensive initial expenditures, particularly when employing high-
quality materials or sophisticated designs. The variety of water features available can
influence overall expenditures, ranging from basic fountains or ponds to intricate
systems complete with pumps, filters, and lighting.

Outdoor spaces can be made more aesthetically pleasing, functional, and sustainable
with the help of landscaping features. In addition to offering shade, seclusion, and
wildlife habitat, trees and shrubs can enhance air quality and save energy expenses.
In addition to controlling erosion, weed suppression, and water conservation,
groundcovers make a landscape healthier and more resilient. Hardscape elements
give the landscape structure and visual interest while defining spaces for planting,
entertaining, and resting. Water features draw animals and create focus points in the
garden while also adding visual appeal and peacefulness.

In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of needs, preferences, and financial constraints

should form the basis for choosing landscape features. Even if some components
might be more expensive up front, their long-term advantages in terms of design,
usability, and environmental sustainability can make them worthwhile investments in
the general standard of outdoor living. For many years to come, landscape
components can prolong the appeal and usefulness of the outside space with careful
design, upkeep, and sporadic modifications.
Recommendations
There are multiple criteria to take into account while ascertaining the various
categories of landscape features, their respective costs, and their significance. These
guidelines will help you identify the various kinds of landscape features, their costs,
and their significance, so that you may create a well-thought-out and unified outdoor
space that fulfills your requirements, expresses your style, and improves your quality
of life.
• Determine your objectives for the outdoor area before choosing any landscape
features. Do you want to design a utilitarian garden, a place for entertainment,
or a tranquil haven? Think about your tastes, way of life, and any particular
needs you may have, including finances, maintenance requirements, or privacy.
• Consider your outdoor area's dimensions, form, topography, soil composition,
exposure to the sun, and current features. It will be easier for you to select
appropriate landscape items and decide where to put them.
• Choose the key landscape components that you wish to include in your design.
This could include outside structures like pergolas, gazebos, and arbors;
lighting; irrigation systems; and decorative accents. Hardscape features like
patios, paths, and retaining walls; softscape components like plants, trees, and
shrubs; and water features like ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.
• Examine the various options, materials, and styles that are available for every
aspect of the landscape. Take into account elements like robustness, upkeep
needs, visual attractiveness, and harmony with the overall design concept. To
make sure you receive the best value for your money, compare the costs and
quality offered by several vendors or contractors.
• Establish a realistic budget for your landscaping project, taking into account the
costs of materials, labor, permits, and any additional expenses. Allocate funds
based on your priorities and the importance of each landscape element to
achieve your desired outcome within your financial means.
• Consider the usefulness and significance of every landscape feature in light of
your objectives, requirements, and way of life. While some components, like
focal points or ornamental plantings, may improve the space's aesthetic appeal
and atmosphere, other elements, like seating places or walkways, may have
functional uses for everyday use.
• It is advisable to consult with landscape designers, architects, or contractors for
their professional advice on choosing suitable landscape elements, placing
them optimally, and controlling expenses. Throughout the design and
implementation phase, a professional assessment can assist you in making
well-informed decisions and avoiding potential problems.
• Consider your landscape features' long-term worth and return on investment
(ROI). Select high-quality components and features that will last a long time,
increase the value of your home, and enhance your outdoor living space's
usability and enjoyment for years to come.
REFERENCES

Brockmeyer, P. (2023) What are hardscapes?: Designer landscapes, What are

Hardscapes? | Designer Landscapes. Available at: https://www.designer-
landscapes.com/Blog/Posts/2/Hardscapes/What-are-Hardscapes/blog-post/
(Accessed: 28 March 2024).

Fundamentals of landscape book by karl b. Lohmann, b.s., m.l.a. Fellow, american

society of landscape architects

About Us (2011) Cainta Plant Nursery. Available at:

https://caintaplantnursery.com/about/ (Accessed: 28 March 2024).

(2023, October 13). 2024 Landscaping Costs | Average Prices List. Per Square Foot
& Hour. https://homeguide.com/costs/landscaping-
costs?fbclid=IwAR39vgBBzs16Nm2m1qUb51a38hOQmqXvHf6lXl9LqtzMJRbDFdo1
Z1VIE4s